Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
NYPD

It’s Man Vs. Car in NYC and Tim Robbins is “The Rectifier”

Granted, I always secretly hoped that Tom Hanks would play the Aaron Naparstek role in "Honku: The Movie" but Tim Robbins' new film "Noise" is, without question, the early runner-up for Streetsblog's 2008 Movie of the Year:

David (Oscar-winner and New York City resident Tim Robbins) is a successful lawyer who can’t standthe fact that Manhattan is a place where it’s too noisy to get a goodnight’s sleep, listen to classical music, or even make love to his wifewithout disturbance. Every time David hears a car alarm going off, heswings into action. Adopting the guise of “The Rectifier,” he engagesin acts of vandalism that satisfy him immensely but which generate noend of grief from his wife (Bridget Moynahan). They also make himpolitically controversial when he provokes the ire of the city’sarrogant mayor (Oscar-winner William Hurt).

Best of all, "Noise" offers up the most concise and accurate summary of NYPD traffic enforcement policy I've ever seen:

"You don't come when the car is attacking us, only when we're attacking the car."

-- Tim Robbins to New York City police officer.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani ‘Fully Confident’ in DOT Commissioner Despite Daylighting U-Turn

Mamdani declined to to follow through on his campaign pledge to "push back" on DOT's anti-daylighting position.

March 6, 2026

HungryPanda Pressured Delivery Workers in Dangerous Blizzard, Workers Say

A delivery worker with HungryPanda recounted a harrowing experience of working during last month's historic blizzard.

March 6, 2026

Make Biking Great Again: Conservatives Should Embrace The Right Wing Values Of Cycling

Cycling remains aligned in the national mind with progressive causes — but conservatives can find plenty to love about bikes.

March 6, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: NYPD Placard Chaos Edition

It was been a rough day for New York's Finest. Plus more news.

March 6, 2026

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills 4-Year-Old On Dangerous Brooklyn Corridor

The driver didn't stop while a child lost his life.

March 5, 2026

Mamdani Deputy Mayor On Charging For Street Parking: ‘It’s Not a No’

Dean Fuleihan said on Thursday that the city is discussing charging fees for currently free on-street parking.

March 5, 2026
See all posts